Sometimes we prefer to get even with the person who has wronged us. He knew very well that, in being crucified between these two, the state’s torturers and executioners were making it clear that he was to be seen as a common criminal. Not only did Jesus accept the cruelty that was being done to him, but he actually wanted to forgive. Let that blood that began to flow from his pierced heart be healing for us. Offer anything that needs to be healed to this crucified saviour, now. We might notice elements of each reaction surfacing within our own hearts as we contemplate this extraordinary scene. With which one do I sympathise more? One is still trapped in his bitterness and anger while the other is on his way to healing and mercy, despite these external signs of suffering and cruel punishment. What do we notice about our reaction to this episode? Is it the amazement that we asked for as we began this Station? Or perhaps it is the two very different reactions from each of the two criminals crucified with him. We try to understand, in our hearts as well as in our minds, how even at this extreme moment Jesus still desired to speak words, not of bitterness and anger, but of kindness and forgiveness to one of these criminals crucified beside him. Luke 23: 39-43 NOTICE – A silent contemplation moment But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He answered him, “In truth I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” “You got the same sentence as he did, but in our case we deserved it: we are paying for what we did. “Have you no fear of God at all?” he said. One of the criminals hanging there abused him: “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us as well.” But the other spoke up and rebuked him. And may they stay with us, encouraging us to be people who forgive, not people who condemn. May we hear those words again addressed to us too? May we know them as spoken from your sacred heart. That came directly from your pierced heart. Yet you found, and showed to everyone, the strength to speak words of forgiveness. And a soldier pierced your side with his lance, causing blood and water to flow. Lord, you have been at this point lifted high on the Cross and your pain is beyond anything we can imagine. Quiet moment of asking: “We ask to be amazed at hearing the words of forgiveness uttered by Jesus to one of the thieves crucified with Him and even to hear those words addressed to ourselves too.” PRAY Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.Īll: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.